A lighter moment among sombre commemorations for Te Kiingi Maori

Political leaders and MPs have gathered with mourners at Turangawaewae Marae today, to mark Kiingi Tuheitia's passing.

New Zealand First deputy leader, Shane Jones, has spoken on behalf of Crown Ministers at the powhiri - delivering a message of aroha.

He says to enjoy a living, we take what we can get - but to create a life, we give -- words he says exemplify Te Kiingi's service.

Jones says he can do no better than quote that great line from Winston, clarifying he means Churchill - not his leader Winston Peters, to laughter on the marae.